Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Renting vs. Owning: The Hidden Costs People Forget (2024)
Owning a home typically costs 1-4% of its value in upkeep every year, a figure most first-time buyers never budget for at all.
Renting Out a Spare Room: How It Changes Your Home Taxes
The IRS treats a rented spare room as a business asset the moment you collect rent, which can shrink your home-sale tax exclusion later.
Rent Increase Notice Requirements by State: 2026 Chart
California requires 90 days' notice for rent increases over 10%, while most states only require 30 days — here's the state-by-state breakdown for 2026.
Oregon Rent Increase Laws 2026: The Statewide Cap Explained
Oregon caps most rent increases at 7% plus the West Region CPI, capped at 10% a year, and landlords must give 90 days' notice.
California Rent Increase Laws 2026: Caps, Notice, Exemptions
California caps most rent increases at 5% plus local inflation, up to a 10% ceiling, under the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
Rent Control 2026: States and Cities Capping Rent Increases
California caps most rent increases at 10% in 2026, but Oregon, Washington, and dozens of cities set their own limits — here's what applies where.
Red Flags in a Co-Signer's Application: 7 Warning Signs
A co-signer with a debt-to-income ratio over 40% or a credit score under 620 rarely covers a default the way landlords expect.
Red Flags During a Rental Showing You Shouldn't Ignore (2024)
Water stains, sagging outlets, and hairline foundation cracks are the three most common red flags landlords miss before a rental showing.
Reading HOA Documents: 7 Red Flags Before You Buy a Home
A reserve fund under 70% funded or three special assessments in five years are two of the biggest HOA red flags buyers overlook before closing.
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance: Reading the U-Tube Gauge
A working radon system shows a visible height difference on its U-tube gauge — if the liquid sits level, your fan has likely failed and needs attention.
Open House Questions That Reveal Hidden Home Problems Fast
A cracked panel cover, a musty basement smell, or a vague answer about the roof's age can tell you more than any listing photo ever will.
Prorated Property Taxes at Closing: Who Deducts What?
Property taxes are prorated at closing based on the exact day of sale, with sellers paying for their days of ownership and buyers covering the rest.
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